My dad was in the U.S. Army in WWII and fought in fierce battles on the Pacific Islands against Japan. The US military was at its height. He told me the army did not allow men to make excuses for their failures. The business was too serious. They were to say, “No excuse, sir,” take their punishment, if any, and try harder. Of course, there are legitimate excuses in this life, but the policy was intended to emphasize hard work, dependability, responsibility. Jacob demonstrated this in his service to his father-in-law Laban. “That which was torn of beasts I brought not unto thee; I bare the loss of it; of my hand didst thou require it, whether stolen by day, or stolen by night” (Genesis 31:39). Faithfulness and responsibility are characteristics of godliness. “He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not” (Psalm 15:4). “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2).
(Friday Church News Notes, January 7, 2022, www.wayoflife.org, fbns@wayoflife.org, 866-295-4143)